Graenihryggur, also known as the Green Ridge, is a vivid cyan-green rhyolite ridge hidden in the Highlands of South Iceland, roughly 121 miles (195 kilometers) from Reykjavik. It sits deep in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve near Landmannalaugar and is one of the most striking yet least-visited natural formations in Iceland.
Tucked deep in the Icelandic Highlands, Graenihryggur Ridge is one of the most striking natural formations in Iceland. The rare cyan-green color comes from rhyolite lava that cooled quickly and reacted with iron-rich minerals, producing a shade you won't see anywhere else in the country.
The hike to Graenihryggur is not a casual day walk, but involves 6-8 hours of hiking steep terrain, and at least one glacial river crossing on foot. Still, it's one of the most rewarding hiking trails in Iceland.
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The easiest way to get to the start of the Graenihryggur hike is by reserving a 4x4 rental car, the only vehicles permitted on the F-roads that lead here. If you're new to driving on mountain roads, joining a 14-hour hiking tour to Graenihryggur Ridge is the safer option.
You can also take Highland bus transfers or join Landmannalaugar tours, where you're given freedom to explore independently.
If you plan to base yourself nearby for an early rise, hotels in Hella are the most practical option, located around 1.5 to 2 hours from the trailhead.
Read on for everything you need to know to plan your summer hike to Graenihryggur Ridge.
Key Takeaways
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Graenihryggur is a cyan-green rhyolite ridge in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, about 121 miles (195 kilometers) from Reykjavik
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The starting point for the most popular route to Graenihryggur, the Halldórsgil trail, is located 5.6 miles (9.1 kilometers) from Landmannalaugar
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The hike is 10.4 miles (16.8 kilometers) round-trip via the Halldorsgil Trail and takes 6-4 hours
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A 4WD vehicle with highland capabilities is required as the only way to reach Graenihryggur is along F-roads
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The hike is only accessible from late June to early September due to road closures and the snow levels throughout the rest of the year
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The trail involves at least one glacial river crossing; trekking poles are essential and water shoes recommended
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The harder Jokulgil Loop involves deeper crossings and partly unmarked terrain
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Guided full-day tours are available from Reykjavik and from Landmannalaugar
Where Graenihryggur Is Located
Graenihryggur sits in the Highlands of South Iceland, within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, roughly 4 to 5 miles (7 to 8 kilometers) south of the Landmannalaugar Campsite. The ridge is located deep in a river canyon, not visible from Landmannalaugar's most popular and accessible hiking routes, like Blahnukur and Brennisteinsalda, which is why most people who make it to Graenihryggur are Icelandic locals.
The nearest town is Hvolsvollur, around 56 miles (90 kilometers) and 1.5 to 2 hours away by car. From Reykjavik, the drive takes approximately 121 miles (195 kilometers) and 3 hours via road F208 from the north. The Landmannalaugar Campsite is roughly 4 to 5 miles (7 to 8 kilometers) north of the Halldorsgil Trailhead.
How To Get To Graenihryggur
Graenihryggur is only accessible by a 4WD vehicle on F-roads. A medium-sized 4x4 is the minimum. Standard rental cars, 2WD vehicles, and most campervans are not permitted on F-roads and may be fined or stranded.
Rental insurance typically does not cover river crossing damage, so check your policy before driving through water. You can browse 4x4 rental cars in Iceland to find a vehicle with highland capabilities.
There are three F-road routes to Landmannalaugar:
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F208 from the North: The easiest option with no river crossings in your vehicle. The road is bumpy but manageable and is the best choice for less experienced F-road drivers. Around 121 miles (195 kilometers) from Reykjavik.
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F225 from the West: A shorter route with small, shallow river crossings. Well-suited for drivers with some F-road experience.
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F208 from the South: The most scenic approach, but requires crossing several medium-depth glacial rivers in your vehicle. Recommended only for experienced drivers with larger, high-clearance 4WDs.
Fill up with fuel in Hella or Selfoss before heading into the Highlands. There are no fuel stations near Landmannalaugar.
Navigation note: Google Maps does not reliably handle Iceland's F-roads. Download an offline map before leaving the main road.
Getting to Graenihryggur on a Guided Tour
The most direct option is the full-day guided hiking tour to Graenihryggur from Reykjavik. This 14-hour excursion includes bus transfers from Reykjavik, an experienced mountain guide, and covers the full Halldorsgil route. It is the best option for hikers without a 4WD, those unfamiliar with glacial river crossings, or anyone traveling solo.
The Graenihryggur Hiking Trails
Graenihryggur can be reached via two main routes, each with very different levels of difficulty. The Halldorsgil Trail is the recommended option for most hikers, while the Jokulgil Loop is reserved for those with serious Highland experience. Here is what to expect on each.
Finding the Graenihryggur Trailhead
There are two trailheads for Graenihryggur:
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Halldorsgil Trailhead (recommended): Located along road F208, approximately 5.6 miles (9.1 kilometers) south of the F224 junction. No parking reservation is needed here. Approaching from the north requires no river crossings in your vehicle.
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Landmannalaugar Campsite Trailhead: The starting point for the harder Jokulgil Loop. A parking reservation is required if arriving between 8 AM and 3 PM. Park before the river crossing at the end of road F224.
Halldorsgil Trail: The Recommended Route
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Distance: 10.4 miles (16.8 kilometers) round-trip
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Elevation Gain: 2,690 feet (820 meters)
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Time: 6-8 hours
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Difficulty: Hard
The Halldorsgil Trail is the shortest and most clearly marked route to Graenihryggur. Red marker sticks guide you throughout, and the out-and-back format means you retrace your steps on the return. It is the right choice for independent hikers who want to do the Green Ridge trail without a guide.
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Stage 1 — Halldorsgil Canyon (1-1.5 hours): The trail starts flat along the floor of Halldorsgil Canyon. The canyon is darker and more austere than the colorful mountains ahead. Early in the season, snow bridges can form over the river below. These can look solid but hide a glacially cold river. Probe with poles before stepping and avoid putting full weight on any snow bridge.
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Stage 2 — First Ridge and River Crossing: The canyon rises to a ridge with your first view over the Jokulgil Canyon and the surrounding rainbow mountains. Descend steeply to the riverbed; trekking poles are essential on the soft ground. Cross the Jokulgilskvisl River at the bottom. Water levels are usually manageable in waterproof boots in July and August. Never attempt this crossing without trekking poles.
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Stage 3 — Second Ridge and First Glimpse of Graenihryggur: After crossing, follow trail markers up a second ridge. Within 15-20 minutes, Graenihryggur appears in the distance: a hint of cyan rising from ochre and brown hills. The trail then crosses largely flat terrain for about another hour.
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Stage 4 — Final Descent to the Ridge: The last section descends toward the Graenihryggur viewpoint. The ridge reveals itself gradually as you approach. You can walk down to the riverbed at its base. The river here is deep and fast-flowing: do not attempt to cross it. Do not walk onto the ridge itself. The rhyolite is fragile and irreversibly damaged by foot traffic.
Jokulgil Loop: The Advanced Route
Distance: 13.9 miles (22.4 kilometers)
Elevation Gain: 4,134 feet (1,260 meters)
Time: 8-12 hours
Difficulty: Very Hard
The Jokulgil Loop starts and ends at the Landmannalaugar Campsite. It takes in more varied scenery than the Halldorsgil Trail, but is significantly more demanding. It includes deeper river crossings, exposed ridges, and a partly unmarked trail. This route is only suitable for very experienced hikers with proper river-crossing gear. A guided group is strongly recommended.
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Stage 1 — Skalli Trail (1.5 hours): Start at the campsite on the Skalli Trail. Expect slow going over scree on the flanks of Skalli mountain. Continue to the signposted Hattver deviation.
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Stage 2 — Hattver Valley and Uppgonguhryggur Ridge: The trail descends toward Uppgonguhryggur, a moderately exposed ridge leading into the Jokulgil Canyon. The ridge is not extreme but requires care in the wind.
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Stage 3 — Jokulgilskvisl River Crossings: At the canyon floor, ford two or three arms of the Jokulgilskvisl River. This is the most serious hazard on the entire hike. The water is glacial and fast-flowing. If you have never crossed a glacial river on foot, do not attempt this route. Falling in carries a real risk of hypothermia. Cross one person at a time. In a group, consider linking arms.
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Stage 4 — The Steep Ravine: After the river, a waterfall ahead marks the correct path. A very steep climb over loose scree and sharp rocks follows. Use both hands where needed. Stow trekking poles if they impede balance on the steepest sections.
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Stage 5 — Jokulgil Canyon Viewpoint: At the top of the ravine, the landscape opens to one of the finest views in Iceland: a deep canyon flanked by mountains in rust, gold, green, and black.
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Stage 6 — Descent to Graenihryggur: After a few more short ascents and descents, Graenihryggur appears ahead. Walk to the riverbed to see the ridge up close. Do not step onto the formation.
To complete the loop, return via the Halldorsgil Trail to the F208 trailhead, or arrange a car shuttle with one vehicle at each end. The full loop takes 10-12 hours and involves additional unmarked navigation. Carry a downloaded GPX file if doing it independently.
Best Time to Visit Graenihryggur
The best time for the Graenihryggur hike is mid-July to mid-September. F-roads to Landmannalaugar typically open in late June or early July, but the trail itself can hold significant snow patches and snow bridges over rivers into late July. Mid-July through August gives the safest and most reliable conditions, with lower river levels and minimal snow.
By mid-September, snowfall can return to the Highlands, and F-roads may close without much warning. Roads are typically closed from October through May or June.
Visiting in late June or early July means hiking under the midnight sun, with soft golden light on the green ridge that makes for extraordinary photographs. Snow bridges may still be present on the trail at this time.
Always check conditions on vedur.is and road status on road.is before setting out. Highland weather can shift from clear sky to fog, rain, and strong wind within an hour. If conditions look poor, postpone.
Essential Gear for the Graenihryggur Hike
The Graenihryggur hike is remote, long, and involves river crossings in unpredictable Highland weather. Packing the right gear is not optional. Here's what you need to bring.
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Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are the minimum. A higher shaft helps with shallow river sections. Wading shoes or neoprene socks are advisable for the Jokulgil route.
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Trekking poles: Non-negotiable. Steep descents, slippery rock, and river crossings all require pole support. They are especially critical for safe river fording.
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Clothing: Bring a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a fully windproof and waterproof shell for both jacket and trousers. Even on a clear summer morning, conditions can change fast.
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Navigation: Download an offline GPX file before you go. The Halldorsgil Trail is marked with red sticks, but fog can make markers hard to spot. A GPS device or offline-enabled phone app is essential. Do not rely on mobile data in the Highlands.
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Food and water: Carry enough for a full 8-hour day. There are no shops, cafes, or huts on the trail. Glacial streams are present and can supplement your supply with a filter or purification tablets.
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Emergency: Register your hike on the free 112 Iceland app before entering the Highlands. It lets you send a GPS distress signal even without cell coverage. Iceland's emergency number is 112.
Leave No Trace in the Fjallabak Nature Reserve
Graenihryggur sits within the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, which is protected under Icelandic environmental law. Highland vegetation grows extremely slowly, and footprints in soft soil can remain visible for years.
Stay on marked trails or established paths, pack out all waste, and do not collect rocks, minerals, or plant material. Do not camp off designated sites. You can register your travel plan and check safety updates at safetravel.is before entering the Highlands.
Other Things To Do Near Landmannalaugar
Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland's richest hiking areas and offers several other experiences worth combining with the Graenihryggur hike. The Landmannalaugar hot springs are natural geothermal pools right at the campsite, free to use and perfect for tired legs after a long day on the trail.
Blahnukur (Blue Peak) is a short but steep and colorful mountain hike from the campsite, with panoramic views over the Highlands.
Brennisteinsalda is an active geothermal mountain nearby, with steam vents and flanks striped in green, red, and yellow.
The Laugavegur Hiking Trail, one of Europe's finest multi-day hikes, starts at Landmannalaugar and runs south to Thorsmork over four days. You can join a 5-day Landmannalaugar to Thorsmork hiking tour or explore the area on a 3-day Landmannalaugar hiking tour that stays at the mountain hut.
If you plan to include Landmannalaugar as part of a longer road trip, the 8-day South Coast and Highlands self-drive and the 7-day South Iceland and Highlands self-drive both include time in the Landmannalaugar area.
Plan Your Graenihryggur Hike
Graenihryggur is one of the few places in Iceland that still feels genuinely off the beaten path. It rewards those who make the effort with a landscape that is unlike anything else in the country: a canyon full of color, rivers of glacial meltwater, and a ridge so green it barely looks real.
If you are planning a self-drive trip to the Highlands, you can browse 4x4 rental cars and self-drive packages to plan your route. If you prefer guided support, the full-day Graenihryggur hiking tour from Reykjavik includes everything from transport to river crossing guidance.
